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How can a Brazilian worker combine the Social Security contributions from Portugal and the INSS from Brazil to receive benefits in both countries?
Brazilian workers who are contributing to Social Security in Portugal may have questions about how to combine their contributions with those of the INSS in Brazil and receive part of the benefits in both countries. It's important to understand how this process works and what documents are needed to carry out this operation.
How do social security contributions work in Portugal and the INSS in Brazil?
First of all, it's important to emphasise that in order to receive benefits from both countries, the worker must have contributed to Social Security in both places. In Portugal, the system is managed by Social Security, while in Brazil it is administered by the INSS.
How does the Social Security Agreement between Portugal and Brazil work?
In order for workers to be able to combine their contributions from both countries and receive benefits in both, there needs to be a bilateral agreement between Portugal and Brazil. Fortunately, this agreement has existed since 1998 and is known as the Social Security Agreement between Portugal and Brazil.
This agreement allows Brazilian workers who have contributed to Social Security in Portugal to combine their contributions with those of the INSS in Brazil, as long as they fulfil certain requirements. The worker must have fulfilled the conditions for access to benefits in both countries, such as minimum age and contribution time.
What documents are needed to join the Portuguese Social Security and Brazilian INSS contributions?
In order to carry out the operation, the worker must present certain documents, such as:
- Valid and up-to-date identification document;
- Proof of residence in Portugal;
- Proof of residence in Brazil;
- INSS contribution time certificate;
- Certificate of Social Security contribution time in Portugal.
It's important to emphasise that the worker must present these documents at the relevant agencies in each country. In Portugal, the worker must go to the National Pensions Centre, while in Brazil they must go to an INSS agency.
It's also important to note that the minimum age for receiving benefits is different in each country. In Portugal, the minimum retirement age is 66 years and 5 months in 2023, while in Brazil it is 62 for women and 65 for men.
In order to calculate the value of the benefits that will be received in each country, it is necessary to carry out a complex calculation, taking into account the contribution time and salaries received in each country. This calculation is made by the competent bodies in each country and the worker must wait for the result.
The importance of social security contributions in Portugal and the INSS in Brazil
If the worker has not met the requirements to receive benefits in both countries, they can choose to receive benefits in only one of them. In this case, it is important to assess which of the two countries offers the best conditions and advantages for the worker.
It is also important to note that the Social Security Agreement between Portugal and Brazil also provides for other situations, such as the payment of death pensions. If a Brazilian worker dies in Portugal, for example, their dependents will be able to receive pensions from the INSS in Brazil, as long as they fulfil the requirements.
To find out more about how to combine contributions from both countries and receive benefits in Portugal and Brazil, you can contact the relevant authorities in each country or seek help from a lawyer specialising in social security law.
It's important to note that Social Security contributions in Portugal are compulsory for all employees and self-employed workers who earn an annual income of more than 4 times the Social Support Index (IAS). In Brazil, on the other hand, INSS contributions are compulsory for all salaried workers and self-employed workers who choose to contribute.
In addition, it is important to emphasise that contributing to Social Security in Portugal and the INSS in Brazil is not an expense, but an investment. By contributing to Social Security in Portugal, the worker has access to various benefits, such as retirement, death pension, sickness benefit, among others. In Brazil, on the other hand, workers have access to similar benefits, such as retirement for age, retirement for contribution time, pension for death, among others.
Contribution time in Portugal and Brazil
Another important aspect to consider is the issue of contribution time. In both Portugal and Brazil, contribution time is a determining factor in the granting of benefits. In Portugal, the minimum contribution time for retirement is 15 years, while in Brazil it is 15 years for women and 20 years for men.
Using contribution time in one country to supplement contribution time in another country
It's important to note that, in some cases, contribution time in one country can be used to supplement contribution time in another. For example, if a worker has contributed 10 years to Social Security in Portugal and 10 years to the INSS in Brazil, they can use these periods to complete the minimum contribution time in both countries.
Finally, it's important to remember that social security contributions in Portugal and INSS contributions in Brazil are matters that should be treated seriously and responsibly. It is essential that workers are always up to date with their contributions and that they regularly find out about their rights and benefits.
In summary, in order for a Brazilian worker who is contributing to Social Security in Portugal to be able to combine their contributions with those of the INSS in Brazil and receive benefits in both countries, they need to fulfil the requirements of the Social Security Agreement between Portugal and Brazil, submit the necessary documents to the relevant bodies in each country and wait for the result of the calculation of the value of the benefits. In addition, it is important that the worker is always up to date with their contributions and that they regularly find out about their rights and benefits in both countries.
Where to find information about your rights and benefits in Portugal and Brazil
In order to obtain accurate and up-to-date information about your rights and benefits with the Social Security system in Portugal and the INSS in Brazil, there are various sources of information you can consult.
In Portugal, the Social Security Institute is the main body responsible for managing the Social Security system. The official website of the Social Security Institute provides detailed information on the different social protection schemes in Portugal, including information on the different social benefits, forms of contribution and retirement.
In addition, the Social Security Institute's citizen services are also available to provide information in person or by telephone. The addresses and telephone numbers of the citizen services can be found on the Institute's official website.
In Brazil, the National Social Security Institute (INSS) is the body responsible for managing the social security system. The official INSS website also offers detailed information on the different social benefits, forms of contribution and retirement.
In addition, the INSS has a call centre that can be accessed on 135. Insured people can also access INSS information and services via the "Meu INSS" digital platform, available on the agency's official website.
How to seek help from a lawyer specialising in social security law
In addition to official sources of information, you can seek information and guidance on your rights and benefits in Portugal and Brazil from lawyers specialising in social security law. These professionals have in-depth knowledge of the laws and regulations applicable to Social Security and the INSS and can help clear up any doubts and provide guidance on the procedures required to apply for benefits and join contributions from both countries.
In summary, to find accurate and up-to-date information about your rights and benefits in Portugal and Brazil, it is important to consult official sources such as the websites of the Social Security Institute in Portugal and the INSS in Brazil, as well as contacting the citizen services of these organisations. You can also seek advice from lawyers specialising in social security law.
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